The Importance of Lifting Weights

Before I go into detail on how to work out effectively in later blogs, I think that it’s important to address why is it important to lift weights. Lifting weights can have some great benefits that can help almost anyone work toward their fitness and health goals no matter what they may be. At first, I was hesitant to go to the gym as I didn’t understand the importance of doing so or how to do so while having fun, so my goal for this blog is to help you overcome this same obstacle if it is present in your life.

Firstly, the more obvious benefits of weightlifting are physical improvements. According to Healthline, strength training can improve heart health, lower your risk of injury, help manage blood sugar levels, improve brain health, and make you stronger (Davidson 2021). These are all things that I can attest to in my personal experience with weight training. I have played soccer all of my life and lifting weights helped me be an athlete. It helped to prevent injuries, improved my balance and explosiveness, and gave me a competitive advantage. I have recently stopped playing soccer and still experience great physical benefits from weightlifting. For one, being strong makes daily tasks, like lifting things at work or getting around campus with a heavy bag, easier and more enjoyable. It has also helped me stay at a healthy weight that I am happy with and since it boosts your metabolism it allows you to eat more as well, which is a nice bonus.

Equally as important if not more important are the mental benefits of weightlifting. It can boost your self-esteem in a few different ways. One way is that you could become happier with your appearance whether that be as a result of gaining muscle or losing fat. This can give you more confidence. Another way it can boost your self-esteem is by building your resilience and by achieving your fitness goals. Not every lift is going to go perfectly, and you will likely fail at some point, but overcoming these setbacks can help you believe in yourself. Healthline also claims that studies show that weight training can boost your mood (Davidson 2021). This is something that I have seen in my life. When I exercise in the morning, I find that I am much happier and more positive than when I don’t. Finally, being a part of the community of weightlifters and gymgoers can be a great support system and a nice way to make new friends. This is a topic that I am going to dive deeper into in a later blog but it is a great way to boost your mental health, especially if you simply need someone to talk to.

These are just some of the reasons you should consistently lift weights or at least do so whenever possible. The importance of both physical and mental health cannot be understated and these benefits are inherently present in weightlifting.

Works Cited

Davidson, Katey. “14 Benefits of Strength Training.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 16 Aug. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-strength-training#benefits.